Creative Design Specialist

Creative Design Specialist
Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening.

Posting Details

Posting Number: S15153P

Working Title: Creative Design Specialist

Department: PSO-Sea Grant Program

Posting Type: External

Retirement Plan: TRS or ORP

Employment Type: Employee

Benefits Eligibility: Eligible

Work Schedule: Monday – Friday with occasional evening and weekend work

Salary: Commensurate with experience

Posted: 05/18/2026

Open until filled

No Closing Date: 05/22/2026

About the University of Georgia
Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state’s flagship university. The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full‑time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.

About the College/Unit/Department
For more than 50 years, UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant has served the state through integrated research, education, and extension programs that promote the responsible use and stewardship of Georgia’s coastal resources. By serving as a bridge between scientists, local governments, and marine industries, we help communities protect coastal resources through sustainable, science-based solutions. Our extension specialists connect university expertise with local needs to strengthen the economic vitality and resilience of coastal communities. Education staff enhance environmental literacy and inspire stewardship by engaging the public, teachers, and students in programs that highlight the importance of Georgia’s coastal ecosystems. We also prepare the next generation of educators and marine scientists through workforce development opportunities for college students. Meanwhile, our research program supports applied studies across Georgia that expand understanding of coastal and estuarine systems and address pressing environmental challenges.

Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent and 2 years of professional experience.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in a higher education, research, or extension communications environment.

Familiarity with coastal issues, the marine environment and NOAA Sea Grant.

Background in multimedia production, including video and photography.

Experience managing digital asset databases and visual archives.

Prior experience providing design training or mentorship to staff.

Position Summary
Serves as the primary visual communications professional for UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant, curating and producing content across digital and print platforms in support of the unit’s mission to improve the environmental, social, and economic health of the coast through research, education, and extension. Collaborates with faculty, staff, and partners to develop and refine design concepts, integrating input from across the unit’s education, research, and extension divisions to produce materials that meet established branding and style guidelines. Organizes and maintains a unit-wide visual asset database to ensure content remains accessible, compliant, and useful to staff across all program areas. Leads brand compliance efforts, recommends content strategy improvements, and stays current on best practices in digital accessibility and multimedia production. Independently manages photo and video projects from concept through publication and provides design guidance and training to unit staff to elevate the overall quality of communications across the organization and with stakeholders statewide.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

Advanced proficiency in graphic design and multimedia production software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite).

Knowledge of brand management principles and federal digital accessibility requirements.

Ability to work independently and manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.

Strong communication and collaboration skills; ability to guide and train staff.

Experience with content management systems, email marketing platforms, and social media channels.

Familiarity with FERPA requirements as they relate to digital asset management.

Knowledge of web, mobile, and print production standards and best practices.

Physical Demands

Ability to operate standard office equipment and computer hardware/software.

Prolonged periods of computer use.

Duties/Responsibilities
Conceptual Design, Collaboration, and Training (25%)

Collaborates with faculty, staff, and partners to develop concepts and layouts for digital and print materials that promote UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant programs and projects.

Guides staff on layout principles and aesthetic design concepts, with attention to arrangement of material, style, and formatting based on deliverable type.

Creates drafts and rough sketches of materials, incorporates feedback from staff and supervisors, and provides design and digital media‑related training to unit staff.

Visual Content Creation for Diverse Communication Outlets (25%)

Creates visual content for a multitude of communication mediums, including core communication outlets (social media, website, and MailChimp) as well as special projects such as exhibits, technical reports, brochures, advertisements, educational activities, and manuals or guides.

Leads production of high‑quality digital and print deliverables essential to outreach, education, and stakeholder engagement.

Database and Asset Management (20%)

Manages internal and external project folders, assets, and visual databases.

Maintains archive of images, photographs, and work products.

Ensures the communications team adheres to the established organizational structure of the project database.

Maintains accessibility and integrity of assets in compliance with applicable regulations, including FERPA.

Brand Compliance and Strategy (15%)

Manages unit-wide brand compliance by reviewing outputs, overseeing logo approval, and coordinating production and ordering of print materials and giveaways.

Develops and maintains unit-wide brand resources and guidance to ensure a consistent visual identity across all platforms and divisions.

Multimedia Production (15%)

Manages and produces photo and video projects, taking the lead on planning, filming, editing, and publishing outputs.

Independently oversees each phase of multimedia production, including concept development, filming, editing, and final publication for videos, photo stories, and interactive story maps that support the unit’s outreach and communications goals.

EEO Policy Statement
The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).

Contact Information
Recruitment Contact Name: Emily Kenworthy
Email: ekenworthy@uga.edu
Phone:

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